DPIIT engages seven startups under FICCI-Mercedes-Benz Bharat Innovation Programme

NEW DELHI: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Friday engaged with seven startups selected under the FICCI Mercedes-Benz Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge Programme, an initiative aimed at accelerating innovation in advanced manufacturing, clean technology and sustainable mobility through funding and corporate mentorship.

The programme concluded a multi-stage nationwide evaluation process in which hundreds of startups applied. Thirty-two ventures were shortlisted to present their ideas before a jury comprising industry experts, investors and Mercedes-Benz India leadership, with seven emerging as the final winners based on technological innovation, market scalability and socio-economic impact.

Each selected startup will receive funding of ₹30 lakh along with a structured mentoring programme designed to strengthen business operations, improve investment readiness and support long-term growth.

The challenge focused on startups developing solutions in priority sectors, including advanced manufacturing, education, sustainability, decarbonization, and automotive and electric vehicle technologies.

During a virtual interaction with the selected founders, Additional Secretary in DPIIT Ateesh Kumar Singh said the initiative demonstrates the growing strength of India’s startup ecosystem and the potential of young entrepreneurs to develop solutions aligned with national priorities.

“This initiative reflects the growing strength of India’s innovation ecosystem and the immense potential of the country’s young entrepreneurs. By providing timely mentorship and support, the programme empowers innovators to develop solutions aligned with national priorities,” Singh said.

Beyond financial assistance, the programme includes a post-funding mentoring and handholding framework to help startups overcome operational and commercial challenges. The selected companies will receive domain-specific guidance on regulatory and legal compliance, intellectual property protection, data privacy, cybersecurity, corporate taxation and fundraising, including support for term-sheet negotiations.

The startups will also participate in the “Sounding Board Programme,” which connects founders with experienced industry leaders to refine business strategies, strengthen leadership capabilities and improve go-to-market plans.

As part of the next phase, the programme will organize Demo Days where the startups will present their businesses to venture capital firms, angel investors and potential corporate partners, creating opportunities for follow-on investment and commercial partnerships.

The joint initiative by DPIIT, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Mercedes-Benz India aims to help promising Indian startups scale into globally competitive enterprises while contributing to the country’s manufacturing, sustainability and innovation ecosystem.